The concept of horses “talking” does not involve the complex, syntax-based language used by humans. Equine communication is a multi-modal system centered on exchanging information about emotional state, intent, and social standing. Horses are highly social, herd animals that rely on constant, subtle communication for survival and cohesion. This communication is expressed through a combination of visual signals, vocalizations, and chemical cues.
The Language of the Body
Visual communication, or body language, is the primary method horses use to interact with their environment and each other. Horses are sensitive to the smallest changes in posture and facial expression, which convey immediate intent and emotional state. This silent language allows them to maintain social order and coordinate herd movements.
The position of the ears is one of the most reliable indicators of a horse’s emotional state and attention. Ears pointed forward or swiveling rapidly suggest alertness and anxiety, indicating the horse is monitoring its surroundings. When ears are flattened back and pinned tightly against the neck, this is a clear signal of anger or aggression, often preceding a defensive action. Conversely, ears turned loosely to the side suggest a relaxed or resting state.
Facial expressions also provide significant information, as horses can distinguish between the expressions of other horses. A tense eye, where the white (sclera) is visible, often signals fear or aggression. A soft, half-closed eye is a sign of contentment and relaxation. A lowered head suggests a calm mood, while an elevated head indicates tension and alarm.
Postural cues involve the entire body, communicating dominance, submission, or alarm to the herd. Pawing the ground may signal frustration or an intention to move, while “snaking,” where the head is lowered and the nose extended, is a sign of dominance. A horse displaying an alarm posture will elevate its head, tense its ears, and stiffen its tail, communicating a perceived threat. Subtle “intention movements,” like a slight muscle contraction before an action, are read by other horses to anticipate behavior.
The Vocabulary of Sound
While body language is constant, vocalizations are used for specific, context-dependent communication, especially over distances or in close social encounters. Each distinct sound carries a specific message about the horse’s emotional arousal and valence. These vocal cues communicate both the type and the intensity of the emotion.
The nicker is a low-pitched, guttural sound produced with the mouth closed and often the head lowered. This close-contact, affiliative call is a soft invitation to come closer. Mares use nickers to call their foals, and horses often nicker to bonded companions or humans when anticipating food.
In contrast, the whinny or neigh is a loud, high-pitched, and prolonged sound used for long-distance communication. It serves as a contact call to locate herd mates or to express separation anxiety when a horse is alone. Research shows that longer whinnies with a higher frequency tend to be associated with negative emotions, while shorter whinnies with a lower frequency indicate positive feelings.
The snort is a short, sharp noise created by forcefully exhaling air through the nostrils, causing them to vibrate. This sound can be an alarm signal to warn the herd of danger or an indicator of contentment. A high-pitched squeal, often accompanied by pinned ears and a rapidly swishing tail, is an expression of aggression or a defensive warning.
Scent and Touch Communication
Chemical and tactile signals play a role in equine social life and reproduction. Olfactory communication involves pheromones and other organic compounds that transmit information about identity, status, and reproductive readiness. Horses use their sense of smell to investigate urine and feces, which contain these chemical messages.
The Flehmen response is a distinctive behavior in which the horse curls back its upper lip, extends its neck, and inhales deeply. This action is a specialized mechanism to draw scent molecules, particularly pheromones, into the vomeronasal organ (VNO). The VNO is an auxiliary olfactory organ that analyzes these non-airborne chemical signals. Stallions frequently exhibit the Flehmen response after sniffing the urine of a mare to determine if she is in estrus.
However, all horses, including mares and geldings, may display this behavior when encountering any novel or strong odor. Foals also use the Flehmen response as part of their sensory exploration.
Tactile communication, or touch, is essential for establishing and maintaining social bonds and hierarchy within the herd. Mutual grooming, known as allogrooming, involves two horses gently nibbling and scratching each other, typically around the neck, back, and withers. This reciprocal action is a sign of affiliation and trust, serving to reinforce social relationships and reduce tension. Touch is also used for dominance displays, such as a dominant horse displacing a subordinate one or using a precise nip to enforce social boundaries.